Above all else in the field of online marketing, a niche is more important than anything else.  Despite what you might think, this isn’t because of the obvious thought that may cross your mind as being that this is where the money comes from.  No, before that, a niche is what provides you with your focus in life for without focus you will be lost.

Many people come to online marketing from a background of employment.  Some are still working and trying to earn some part time money online with a view to leaving their job and moving into full time online marketing.  Other people have been put in the difficult position as a result of losing their jobs and are seeking an alternative source of income.  Whatever your situation, this article is one that you must read and take note of.

In an employment situation, an employee has a task or a number of tasks to complete each day.  Generally these are limited by the scope of their Position Description and as an employee you do not move outside this scope.   That’s a good thing.  It provides focus in your work and you know exactly what your duties and responsibilities are.

The internet on the other hand can be like being a kid in a candy store.  There is so much to see, there is so much to do and there are nothing but distractions in every direction you turn.  You can easily start out the day with the best of intentions to research a particular project, but as you start your searches, one site leads to another which leads to another, which leads to another and before you know it you are reading about the mating habits of polar bears.  Absolutely nothing to do with your original intentions.

Likewise, another trap are your email subscriptions.  Now there’s nothing wrong with subscribing to newsletters, they can be very informative and useful to your business.  But you need to make an immediate distinction on scanning the email as to whether or not you really need to follow those links.  Are those links really going to provide you with information relevant to your niche.

By having a niche, you can therefore keep focus.  Make up a big sign and put it above your desk.  “Does the site I am visiting have relevance to (fill in your niche here)?”  Put other similar signs up around the place to constantly keep yourself on track.  You don’t have a boss on the internet, only yourself so if you don’t manage your own time and surfing habits you will find yourself constantly chasing not only your own tail, but also rainbow dreams.